Method and system of creating customized ringtones

ABSTRACT

A custom ringtone provisioning device is configured to determine user selectable audio options available for generating a digital audio recording based on ringtone capabilities of a mobile communication device of a user, display the available user selectable audio options for the user to select, generate the digital audio recording using the user selectable audio options selected by the user, and transmit the generated digital audio recording to a server for the server to convert the generated digital audio recording into a customized ringtone for use by the mobile communication device in alerting the user of incoming communications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/294,158, filedDec. 5, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,546,148, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems of creatingcustomized ringtones of the type used with mobile phones to alert arecipient of incoming calls.

2. Background Art

Mobile phones have become a platform for personal expression—withcolorful covers and individual ring-tones, they've become a fashionstatement as well. As a result, a new market has emerged to fill theneed for individualized ring-tones. For a few dollars, phone owners can“download” ring-tones of favorite songs from a variety of providers.This has created a large, growing market to supply these ringtones.

With the emergence of handsets that can play “polyphonic” ringtones or,better yet, “realistic” ringtones, there is an untapped marketopportunity for the complete customization of ringtones. While customerscan order their favorite music as a ringtone, even a technically savvyperson would have a difficult time doing any of the following:

-   -   Creating polyphonic ringtones of specific phrases of music    -   Creating ringtones of a less-widely known piece of music    -   Modifying the sound characteristics of a phrase of music (e.g.,        changing the echo, reverb, speed, octave, creating robotic        effects, filtering out the voice, reproducing only the        percussion, etc.)    -   Recording their own ringtone

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, both as to its organization and manner ofoperation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may bebest understood with reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanied drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for generating customized ringtones inaccordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface having features to facilitatesynthesizing a sample recording in accordance with one non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of customizing ringtones inaccordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure discloses an embodiment of a custom ringtoneprovisioning device which includes an identification element, a userinterface, a digital audio generator, and a communication feature. Theidentification element is configured to determine user selectable audiooptions available for generating a digital audio recording based onringtone capabilities of a mobile communication device of a user. Theuser interface is configured to display the available user selectableaudio options for the user to select. The digital audio generator isconfigured to generate the digital audio recording using the userselectable audio options selected by the user. The communication featureis configured to transmit the generated digital audio recording to aserver for the server to convert the generated digital audio recordinginto a customized ringtone for use by the mobile communication device inalerting the user of incoming communications.

The identification element may be further configured to receive a phonenumber of the mobile communication device. In this case, thecommunication feature is further configured to transmit the phone numberto the server for the server to use in order to download the customizedringtone to the mobile communication device.

The custom ringtone provisioning device may further include a speakerfor playing the generated digital audio recording to the user.

The identification element may be further configured to identify theuser. In this case, the identification element is further configured todetermine the ringtone capabilities of the mobile communication deviceas a function of the identified user and/or the digital audio generatoris further configured to generate the digital audio recording as afunction of the identified user.

The mobile communication device may be a phone such as a cellular phone.

The present disclosure discloses an embodiment of a method whichincludes determining at a custom ringtone provisioning device userselectable audio options available for generating a digital audiorecording based on ringtone capabilities of a mobile communicationdevice of a user. The method further includes displaying at the customringtone provisioning device a user interface having the available userselectable audio options for the user to select. The method furtherincludes generating at the custom ringtone provisioning device thedigital audio recording using the user selectable audio options selectedby the user. The method further includes transmitting the generateddigital audio recording from the custom ringtone provisioning device toa server for the server to convert the generated digital audio recordinginto a customized ringtone for use by the mobile communication device inalerting the user of incoming communications.

The present disclosure discloses another embodiment of a custom ringtoneprovisioning device which includes an identification element, a userinterface, a digital audio generator, and a communication feature. Theidentification element is configured to identify information associatedwith a user and to determine user selectable audio options available forgenerating a digital audio recording based on the information associatedwith the user. The user interface is configured to display the availableuser selectable audio options for the user to select. The digital audiogenerator is configured to generate the digital audio recording usingthe user selectable audio options selected by the user. Thecommunication feature is configured to transmit the generated digitalaudio recording to a server for the server to convert the generateddigital audio recording into a customized ringtone for use by the mobilecommunication device in alerting the user of incoming communications.The digital audio generator may be further configured to generate thedigital audio recording as a function of the information associated withthe user.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for generating customized ringtones inaccordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.System 10 may include a server 12, kiosk 14, and one or more phones 16.A network 18 or other communication element may be included forfacilitating communications between the server, kiosk, and phone. Server12 may be part of a cellular network or other wireline or wireless phonenetwork associated with phone 16.

Phone 16 may be configured to support telephone communications throughsignaling services provided through network 18, as one having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate. In response to incoming calls or otherphone alerts, phone 16 may be configured to playback a ringtone storedin a memory thereof (not shown). Phone 16 may include features,processors, applications, or other elements to facilitate playback ofthe ringtone.

The ringtone may be a downloadable feature stored on phone 16 tofacilitate alerting the user of various operating conditions, such as toincoming calls or other alerts, such as an alarm, message alert, etc.The ringtone may include audio, video, static pictures, and/or somecombination thereof, depending on the capabilities of the phone tosupport various applications and operations. The ringtone may includefeatures for associating itself with elements stored on phone 16, suchas to permit playback of an audio only ringtone with correspondingdisplay of a picture separately stored on phone 16.

Phone 16 may include a speaker 24, microphone 26, keypad 28, and display30 to facilitate the operation thereof and the playback of the ringtone.Speaker 24 may be a typical speaker used for projecting sounds and otheraudio to a surrounding area. Display 30 may be a mono- or multi-colordisplay configured to display alphanumeric messages and other features,include moving images and video. Optionally, display 30 may be atouch-screen or other feature configured to receive user inputs.

Keypad 28 may include any number of buttons and other user actuatablefeatures for receiving any number of user inputs. Lights and otherfeatures may be included to backlight or otherwise illuminate keypad 28and other portions of the phone, such as in response to user inputsand/or playback of the ringtone. Microphone 26 is a typical microphoneconfigured to communicate audio signals from a user through the phonesystem. Optionally, the microphone may support recording and storingaudio on the phone.

Phone 16 includes any number of other features and options, includingother inputs, cards, and interfaces. For example, phone 16 may includean interface, such as a cable jack, USB port, etc., for connecting thephone to a computer or other electronic device. Phone 16 may alsoinclude any number of embedded or downloaded applications and programsto facilitate the operation thereof. Optionally, one of the applicationsmay be a user interface application that permits various features andmessages to be visualized on display 30 so that user inputs in responsethereto may be monitored, such as by coordinating the informationdisplayed in the user interface with user selections of keypad 28 and/ortouch-screen.

Kiosk 14 may include a display 34, keypad 36, speaker 38, microphone 40,disc drive 42, input 44, and/or the like to facilitate the operationthereof. Kiosk 14 may be of the type commonly associated with commercialventures and retail stores. For example, it may be suitable configuredto be standalone items for use by customers in shopping centers, malls,and retail stores. It may include processors, memories, andcommunications features to facilitate any number of operationsassociated with the present disclosure.

Display 34 may be a mono- or multi-color display configured to displayalphanumeric messages and other features, including moving images andvideo. Optionally, display 34 may be a touch-screen or other featureconfigured to receive user inputs. Speaker 38 may be a typical speakerused for projecting sounds and other audio to a surrounding area. Keypad36 may include any number of buttons and other user actuatable featuresfor receiving any number of user inputs. Microphone 40 is a typicalmicrophone configured to record audio signals from a user. Optionally,microphone 40 may support recording and storing audio on kiosk 14.

Disc drive 42 may relate to a compact disc drive, digital video disc(DVD), flash memory, and the like. It may be configured to read signalsfrom any number of mediums and according to any number of protocols,formats, and standards. Input 44 may be to support cards, cable jacks,USB ports, etc., for connecting the kiosk or other electronic devices.Kiosk 14 may also include any number of embedded or downloadedapplications and programs to facilitate the operation thereof.Optionally, one of the applications may be a user interface applicationthat permits various features and messages to be visualized on display34 so that user inputs in response thereto may be monitored, such as bycoordinating the information displayed in the user interface with userselections of keypad 36 and/or touch-screen.

The user interface may include features to facilitate recording andsynthesizing signals received by kiosk 14 through disc drive 42, input44, microphone 40, and/or otherwise input thereto, such from a webpage.The synthesizing may include manipulating a sample recording accordingto any number of characteristics. For example, if the recording is anaudio track, the pitch, rhythm, beat, instrument, echo, and/or a soundcharacteristic may be adjustment/manipulated, (similar to synthesizingoptions associated with electronic/digital keyboards). Alternatively, ifthe recording is a video, the color, sound (pitch, rhythm, etc.),length, and other features may be similarly be synthesized.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface 46 having features to facilitatesynthesizing a sample recording in accordance with one non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure. For exemplary purposes, thesynthesizing is described with respect to synthesizing audio tracks,however, the present disclosure is not so limited and fully contemplatessynthesizing any form of media suitable for use as and/or withringtones.

User interface 46 may include a recording feature 48 to facilitaterecording the sample recording. For example, an audio disc may beinserted into the disc drive and read by the kiosk. An informationdisplay portion 50 of the user interface 46 may then display informationrelevant to the disc and other information associated with the operationof the kiosk. For example, a name of the disc and tracks includedtherein may be displayed along with instructions and other informationassociated with recording a sampling thereof.

Recording feature 48 may include a rewind, pause, record, play, and fastforward button. The buttons may be used to manipulate the recordingaccording the functions associated therewith. For example, if only aportion of a song track is desired, the rewind and fast forward buttonsmay be used to locate the desired portion and the record button may beused to record a desired length thereof. Once recorded, the sample mayplayed back by selecting the play button.

A number of synthesizing options 52 may be displayed to facilitatesynthesizing the sample recording. The synthesizing options may includeaudio adjustments, such as pitch (deeper<--->higher), room size (noecho<--->Grand Canyon), tempo (slower<--->faster), rhythm, bass (lowfrequencies), voice (higher frequencies, generally), instrumentation ofmelody (piano, trumpet, guitar), voice (robotic, cartoon, deeper/highervoice). Other options may include visual (images/video), such ascontrast, brightness, color mapping, colorize or turn to black andwhite, video speed, artistic effects (such as make it look like stainedglass, impressionist painting, a sketch, watercolors, pointillism,etc.). Of course, any number of other options may be included and theseare merely exemplary of some of them.

One or more of synthesizing options 52 may be selected by selecting oneor more of accept or deny buttons 54 and then selecting submit button56. Once submitted, the kiosk synthesizes the sample recording accordingto the selected synthesizing option(s). The user may then select play toplay back the synthesized recording. Optionally, the synthesizedrecording may be discarded and the sample recording re-synthesizedthrough other selections and/or the synthesized recording may be furthersynthesized with selection of additional synthesizing options. Thisprocess can be repeated as desired.

An identification feature 58 may be included to facilitate identifyingthe kiosk user. For example, if kiosk 14 is located in a shopping mall,it may be advantageous to identify the user and other informationassociated therewith. This information may then be used to bill the userand/or to determine the user's phone capabilities. Optionally, one ormore of the synthesizing options may be determined as a function of theidentified user, such as according to subscription options. Kiosk 14 mayexchange information with the server and/or another feature tofacilitate billing and to determine the available synthesizing options.

A phone feature 60 may be included to facilitate identifying one or morephones intended to receive the customized ringtone made from thesynthesized recording, as described below in more detail. Phone feature60 may be used by the user to input on or more phone numbers, such asthe user's phone number and a friend's phone numbers, such that eachphone number receives the customized ringtone. Optionally, the phonenumber(s) may be used by server 12 to identify phones 16 and theoperating characteristics associated therewith so as to facilitateconverting the synthesized sample to customized ringtone suitable foroperation on phones 16.

Server 12 may correspond with any network feature have propertiessufficient for communicating with both of kiosk 14 and one or morephones 16. Server 12 may include processors, memories, and the like tofacilitate converting synthesized recordings received from kiosk 14 to acustomized ringtone suitable for use with phone 16 to alert a recipientof incoming calls or other alerts. Server 12 may communicate with thekiosk and phone through the same or different communication mediumsand/or protocols and standards.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 62 of a method of customizing ringtonesin accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure.The method generally relates to server 12 or other feature associatedwith phone network 18 being configured to facilitate generating acustomized ringtone based on a synthesized recording received from kiosk14. The customized ringtone may then be transferred to phone 16 forusage. The method is described with respect to the customized ringtonebeing generated for use with a mobile phone, however, the method appliesto any number of environments and applications where it is desirable toprovide a ringtone or similar feature to an electronic device for use inalerting a user of incoming calls or other alerts/messages.

Block 64 relates to determining a sample recording that will comprise atleast a portion of the ringtone. The sample recording is recorded bykiosk 14 from media inputted thereto by the user, such as from a disc orflash memory carried by the user. Optionally, kiosk 14 may includenetwork capabilities for downloading media from a network site andrecording a portion thereof. User interface 46 provides one or morefeatures to facilitate recording the sample recording. The length of thesample recording may be selected by the user and/or limited as functionof phone capabilities associated with the phone intended to receive thecustomized ringtone.

Block 66 relates to determining synthesizing options available fromkiosk 14 to facilitate synthesizing the sample recording. Thesynthesizing options may relate to ringtone capabilities of phone 16,such as the audio, video, or display capabilities of the phone, itsapplication capabilities or operating system, and other subscriptionrelated features, such as limitations imposed on the user by the serviceprovider. For example, the subscribers features may specify the numberof ringtones the user is permitted to create, billing proceduresassociated with generating the ringtone, and/or other featuresassociated with the service provider.

Optionally, kiosk 14 may include an embedded or downloaded userinterface application for synthesizing the sample recording according toany number of synthesizing options. The available options may beselected as a function of the user and/or all the options may beavailable to all users. Information display portion 50 of user interface46 may explain the various options and/or provide other instructions tofacilitate selection and use of the synthesizing options. Server 12 mayalso be used to limit or otherwise select the synthesizing options, suchas if the user has stored a favorite synthesizing pattern or number ofoptions.

Block 68 relates to kiosk 14 synthesizing the sample recording accordingto the selected synthesizing options. Kiosk 14 may include a separateapplication or other feature for processing the sample recording andperforming the synthesizing thereof. Information display 50 may be usedto indicate when synthesizing is complete and to instruct the user totake further action(s).

Block 70 relates to playing back the synthesized sample recording.Recording features 48 may be used to control the playing back throughspeakers 38. The user listens to the played back synthesized recordingto determine whether it is suitable for use as a ringtone. Optionally,the synthesizing steps may be repeated to re-synthesize the samplerecording and/or the synthesized recording (block 68). Kiosk 14 maypermit temporary and/or permanent storage of each synthesized sample soas to permit the user to play back different version thereof.

Block 72 relates to transmitting one or more of the synthesizedrecordings to the server 12. Kiosk 14 may package the synthesizedrecording according to Internet Protocols (IP) for transmission toserver 12. The identified user and phone number(s) may be included withthe transmission for use by server 12 in identifying the user, such asfor billing purposes, and for determining capabilities of the phone(s)to receive the ringtone.

Block 74 relates to the server converting the synthesized recording to acustomized ringtone suitable for use with the identified phone(s). Thisconversion process may include manipulating the synthesized recordingfrom one form a, standard, or protocol to another suitable for use withphone(s) 16. Of course, some phones 16 may have capabilities to use anynumber of formats, standards, and protocols with the ringtones such thatit may be unnecessary to convert the synthesized sample recording inorder to create the customized ringtone, i.e., the synthesized samplerecoding itself becomes the customized ringtone.

For example, some phones 16 may be unable to playback certain audiofiles, such that ringtone may be generated to permit playback of theaudio for the audio constraints of phone 16. Optionally, if the ringtoneis intended for a recipient other than the individual creating it, thisstep may comprises formatting the sounds to function as a ringtone onthe desired recipients phone. The capabilities and characteristics ofphone 16 may be determined to facilitate creation of the ringtone.

Block 76 relates to transferring the customized ringtone from the serverto the identified phone(s). This may include transmitting the customizedringtone over phone network 18 of the identified phone(s) 16. Theringtone may be transferred in a message or through a download processsuch that the user may be requested to accept the downloading thereofand/or the download may occur without notice to the user such that thecustomized ringtone becomes automatically available to the user. Theserver may be required to generate different ringtones for the otherphones receiving the same ringtone, depending on the capabilities andoperating systems thereof.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system 80 within which a set of instructions, when executed,may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein. In some embodiments, the machine operates as astandalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected(e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment,the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client usermachine in server-client user network environment, or as a peer machinein a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine maycomprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a mobile device, a palmtop computer, alaptop computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant, acommunications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, acontrol system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, apager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine. It will be understood that a device of the presentdisclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice,video or data communication. Further, while a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

Computer system 80 may include a processor 82 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), amain memory 84 and a static memory 86, which communicate with each othervia a bus 88. The computer system 80 may further include a video displayunit 90 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solidstate display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). Computer system 80 mayinclude an input device 92 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device94 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 96, a signal generation device 98(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 100.

Disk drive unit 96 may include a machine-readable medium 102 on which isstored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 104) embodyingany one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein,including those methods illustrated in herein above. Instructions 104may also reside, completely or at least partially, within main memory84, static memory 86, and/or within processor 82 during executionthereof by computer system 80. Main memory 84 and processor 82 also mayconstitute machine-readable media. Dedicated hardware implementationsincluding, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits,programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications thatmay include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadlyinclude a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodimentsimplement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardwaremodules or devices with related control and data signals communicatedbetween and through the modules, or as portions of anapplication-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system isapplicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 104, or that which receives and executes instructions 104from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 106 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over network 106 using instructions 104. Instructions 104may further be transmitted or received over network 106 via networkinterface device 100.

While machine-readable medium 102 is shown in an example embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium”shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing,encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to:solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that housesone or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories,or other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or opticalmedium such as a disk or tape; and carrier wave signals such as a signalembodying computer instructions in a transmission medium; and/or adigital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained informationarchive or set of archives is considered a distribution mediumequivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure isconsidered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium or adistribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognizedequivalents and successor media, in which the software implementationsherein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are merely representational andmay not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “disclosure”merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit thescope of this application to any single invention or inventive conceptif more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specificembodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should beappreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purposemay be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosureis intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of variousembodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and otherembodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the disclosure. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily toscale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure.

1. A custom ringtone provisioning device comprising: an identificationelement configured to determine user selectable audio options availablefor generating a digital audio recording based on ringtone capabilitiesof a mobile communication device of a user; a user interface configuredto display the available user selectable audio options for the user toselect; a digital audio generator configured to generate the digitalaudio recording using the user selectable audio options selected by theuser; and a communication feature configured to transmit the generateddigital audio recording to a server for the server to convert thegenerated digital audio recording into a customized ringtone for use bythe mobile communication device in alerting the user of incomingcommunications.
 2. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 1wherein: the identification element is further configured to receive aphone number of the mobile communication device; wherein thecommunication feature is further configured to transmit the phone numberto the server for the server to use in order to download the customizedringtone to the mobile communication device.
 3. The custom ringtoneprovisioning device of claim 1 further comprising: a speaker for playingthe generated digital audio recording to the user.
 4. The customringtone provisioning device of claim 1 wherein: the identificationelement is further configured to identify the user, wherein theidentification element is further configured to determine the ringtonecapabilities of the mobile communication device as a function of theidentified user.
 5. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 1wherein: the identification element is further configured to identifythe user, wherein the digital audio generator is further configured togenerate the digital audio recording as a function of the identifieduser.
 6. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 1 wherein: themobile communication device is a phone.
 7. A method comprising:determining at a custom ringtone provisioning device user selectableaudio options available for generating a digital audio recording basedon ringtone capabilities of a mobile communication device of a user;displaying at the custom ringtone provisioning device a user interfacehaving the available user selectable audio options for the user toselect; generating at the custom ringtone provisioning device thedigital audio recording using the user selectable audio options selectedby the user; and transmitting the generated digital audio recording fromthe custom ringtone provisioning device to a server for the server toconvert the generated digital audio recording into a customized ringtonefor use by the mobile communication device in alerting the user ofincoming communications.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:receiving at the custom ringtone provisioning device a phone number ofthe mobile communication device; and transmitting the phone number fromthe custom ringtone provisioning device to the server for the server touse in order to download the customized ringtone to the mobilecommunication device.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising:playing at the custom ringtone provisioning device the generated digitalaudio recording to the user.
 10. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising: identifying at the custom ringtone provisioning device theuser; and determining at the custom ringtone provisioning device theringtone capabilities of the mobile communication device as a functionof the identified user.
 11. The method of claim 7 further comprising:identifying at the custom ringtone provisioning device the user; whereingenerating the digital audio recording further includes generating thedigital audio recording as a function of the identified user.
 12. Themethod of claim 7 wherein: the mobile communication device is a phone.13. A custom ringtone provisioning device comprising: an identificationelement configured to identify information associated with a user and todetermine user selectable audio options available for generating adigital audio recording based on the information associated with theuser; a user interface configured to display the available userselectable audio options for the user to select; a digital audiogenerator configured to generate the digital audio recording using theuser selectable audio options selected by the user; and a communicationfeature configured to transmit the generated digital audio recording toa server for the server to convert the generated digital audio recordinginto a customized ringtone for use by the mobile communication device inalerting the user of incoming communications.
 14. The custom ringtoneprovisioning device of claim 13 wherein: the identification element isfurther configured to receive a phone number of the mobile communicationdevice; wherein the communication feature is further configured totransmit the phone number to the server for the server to use in orderto download the customized ringtone to the mobile communication device.15. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 13 furthercomprising: a speaker for playing the generated digital audio recordingto the user.
 16. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 13wherein: the digital audio generator is further configured to generatethe digital audio recording as a function of the information associatedwith the user.
 17. The custom ringtone provisioning device of claim 13wherein: the mobile communication device is a phone.